Download - Introduction and Quick Look Charts for THE MINOR PROPHETS · SUMMARY VIEW OF THE MINOR PROPHETS"! " 1. Know the names of the Minor Prophets (in biblical order) and be able to spell

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I!""""""""""""""""""""""""""Introduction and Quick Look Charts

for THE MINOR PROPHETS

Harvest Bible College

Glasgow, Scotland Spring Term, 2014 "

Instructor - J. Darline Royer """"""

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"CHART OF THE 12 MINOR PROPHETS showing time line with Major Prophets!! Compiled by Darline Royer - using dates from Popular Survey of the Old Testament, Norman Geisler"

BIBLICAL ORDER CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER!with Major Prophets Included

SCRIPTURE!Reference

MAJOR Isaiah Reference relate

PROPHETS Jeremiah - Lamentations to books listed in

Ezekiel chronological

Daniel order in 2nd

Pre-Exilic MINOR PROPHETS column:

1 Hosea Obadiah (840-830) ? II Kings 8-12

2 Joel Joel (830-820) ? II Kings 12

3 Amos Jonah (780-760) II Kings 14

4 Obadiah Amos (755-750) II Kings 14

5 Jonah Hosea (760-710) II Kings 14-17

6 Micah Isaiah (740-690) II Kings 15-21

Micah (735-700) II Kings 15-20

ASSYRIAN CAPTIVITY 722 B.C. - Northern Kingdom

7 Nahum Nahum (650-620) II Kings 21-23

8 Habbakuk Zephaniah (630-620) II Kings 22-23

9 Zephaniah Habbakuk (620-605) II Kings 22-24

Jeremiah (625-585) II Kings 22-25

BABYLONIAN EXILE - Temple destroyed, Judah to captivity

586 B.C. - Jerusalem attacked in 3 waves: 605, 597, 586)

Exilic Lamentations (585-580) II Kings 25

Ezekiel (593-570) II Kings 24-25

Daniel (606-530) II Kings 23-25

Post-Exilic RETURN FROM EXILE! !538 B.C.

539 BC - Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians. 538 B.C. Jews return from exile.

Ezra 1-4

10 Haggai Haggai (520 - ?) Ezra 5-6

11 Zechariah Zechariah (520-480) Ezra 5-6

TEMPLE REBUILT!70 years after its destruction!

(516 B.C.) !Jeremiah 25:12; 29:10

12 Malachi" Malachi (430-420) Nehemiah 13

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"SUMMARY VIEW OF THE MINOR PROPHETS!"

"1. Know the names of the Minor Prophets (in biblical order) and be able to spell them correctly."2. Learn the OM phrase which describes a key characteristic of each of the prophets."3. Develop your personal summary of each book as follows: 12 summaries""The Prophet’s Message to Me (no longer than one double-spaced page)""Title: (A title that relates the message of Hosea to your personal life)"My Verse: (Select a verse that speaks a message to you personally.)"Personal Application Gems: One to three short paragraphs that describe how the message of the prophet has spoken to you """

BOOK Book Titles from!Overseas Ministries Textbook!by Jet Witherspoon""

Key Subject of Book!(Selected from Bible Overview, p. 103)

Hosea Prophet of Love Israel’s unfaithfulness to their covenant God

Joel Prophet of Pentecost The great and terrible day of the Lord

Amos Prophet of Justice God’s judgment on Israel for their injustice and lack of mercy

Obadiah Prophet of Edom God's judgment upon Edom

Jonah Reluctant Prophet God's judgment upon Nineveh; yet God’s mercy extends to all

Micah Prophet of the Oppressed God's judgment upon Israel and Judah for their wickedness

Nahum Prophet of Assyria God's judgment on Nineveh for their cruelty against God’s people

Habbakuk Prophet of Complaint and Faith

God's judgment, justice, love, and mercy

Zephaniah The Orator A call to repentance before the coming judgment on the day of the Lord

Haggai Prophet of Temple Buiding A call to rebuild the temple and a message of hope

Zechariah Prophet of Inspiration and Hope

A call to rebuild the temple and a message of future glory

Malachi Prophet of Rebuke A call to spiritual renewal

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"BOOK OF HOSEA !

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QUICK LOOK Compiled by Darline Royer - 2014

Who was Hosea? Son of Beeri" " Married to an unfaithful wife

Three children

Meaning of his name “Salvation"

Time of his prophecy!

760-710 B.C. "During the decline and fall of the northern kingdom of Israel

Hosea began prophesying during the reign of Jeroboam II of Israel."

Hosea possibly continued his prophetic ministry until Jerusalem’s fall in 722 BC."

Historical background II Kings 14-16" II Chronicles 26-32

To whom addressed!

Northern Kingdom"Identified as “Ephraim”

1:1 - In the days of"Jeroboam II

5:1 - “Hear ye . . . O house of Israel”

Why written !! !

To illustrate God’s love for unfaithful Israel"

To identify Israel’s sins and apostasy and call them to repentance (6:1)

To express God’s compassion & promise of restoration (11:4; 14:4)

Key Verses!!

3:1 - …according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel. . .

6:1 - Come and let us return unto the LORD. . .!and he will heal us . . .

11:1 - When Israel was a child, I loved him…

Jesus seen in Hosea!

Matthew 2:13-18 quotes"Hosea 11:1 - …out of Egypt I have called my son

13:4 - The only savior of his people"13:14 -Ransom from death

Redemption from sin and death came through Jesus.

Themes in Hosea!

Israel’s unfaithfulness to the LORD

God’s judgment" God’s love with the hope of restoration

A LOOK AT MAIN TOPICS Chapters 1-3! Chapters 4-14

Focus Faithful Husband "and Adulterous Wife

Faithful Lord "and Adulterous Israel

Topic Marriage of Hosea""

Message of Hosea

1. Hosea’s Family Story (1) 1. Israel’ Unfaithfulness (4-8)

2. Hosea’s Unfaithful Wife (2) 2. God’s Judgment Predicted (9-10)

3. Hosea’s Love in Buying Back His Wife (3)

3. God’s Love for Israel (11:1-11)

Hosea’s story illustrates God’s love for unfaithful Israel.

4. God’s Anger Against Israel’s Sin "(11:12—13:16)

5. Prediction of Israel’s Restoration (14)

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"BOOK OF JOEL!


Who was Joel? Son of Pethuel (1:1) No other information

Meaning of his name “Yahweh is God”

Time of his prophecy 830-820 (N.Geisler)"Exact date unknown"(varied dates suggested)

One view: pre-exilic"(early as 830 BC or just before the exile)

Another view: post-exilic!(as early as 515 BC or as late as 350 BC)

Historical background II Kings 12 (Biblical reference listed by Geisler)

To whom addressed Judah & Jerusalem " Reference to Temple & priests (1:9 13, 14; 2:15)

Joel 2 -reference to Assyrian invasion implied?

Why written Warning about impending judgment

Bad news: Judah’s sinfulness will be punished

Good News: Promise of future blessing for the faithful

Key Verses 1:15 - Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand…

2:12, 13 - …turn to me with all your heart . . . for he is gracious…

2:28,29 - …I will pour out my spirit upon on flesh…

Themes in Joel Day of the LORD: Punishment for transgression

Promise of God’s Spirit" Promise of forgiveness and restoration

Jesus seen in Joel Joel’s prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost"(Acts 2:17-21)

Acts 10:43 -“…to him (Jesus) gave all the prophets witness…”

Acts 10:44-48 - another account of His Spirit being poured out!

A LOOK AT MAIN TOPICSChapter 1"" "

Invasion of Locusts The destructive !Day of the Lord - judgment (1:15)

Call to repentance with fasting (1:14)

Chapter 2:1-27""

Army of locusts from the North"

The great and terrible !Day of the Lord (2:11)

Call to repentance with fasting and weeping . . . for He is gracious (2:12-14)

Chapter 2:28-32 Promise of the God’s Spirit bringing Salvation (2:28, 32)

The redemptive!Day of the Lord (2:28)

“And it shall come to pass…” (2:28 - shifts from the near view to the far view of Joel’s prophecy)

Chapter 3" Judgment on the Nations

Call to prepare for the"Battle of Armageddon (3-9-15)

The climax of the LORD’s salvation for Judah and Jerusalem (3:16-21)

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Book of Amos!


Who was Amos? A herdman from Tekoa (7:1)

A small village about 6 miles from Jerusalem

Amos also gathered sycamore fruit [wild figs] (7:14-15).

Meaning of his name “Burden Bearer”

Time of his prophecy 755-750 B.C."(Geisler timeline)

During reigns of Uzziah in Judah and"Jeroboam II in Israel

Approximately 32-38 years before Israel’s Assyrian captivity

Historical background II Kings 14"(according to Geisler)

Jeroboam II (North)

To whom addressed Israel, the Northern Kingdom

Amos was from Judah, but prophesied to Israel."

He spoke from Bethel, the king’s court (7:13).

Why written To call the prosperous and idol worshipping northern tribes to repentance

Amos teaches God’s hatred of evil and the sanctity of His law. He refers often to the law of Moses.

Amos calls for social justice in caring for the poor, the widow and the weak (2:6-7; 5:11-12; 8:4-6)

Key Verses 5:14-15 - Seek good, and not evil…

5:25 - Let judgment run down…and righteousness

Themes in Amos Judgment on sin and false worship

Evils of prosperity Call for social justice

Jesus seen in Amos Prophetically, the book reveals Christ as the rebuilder of the “tabernacle of David.” (9:11) "-See Acts 15:16-17

Jesus echoed Amos in his teaching to minister to the needy "(Matt. 25:31-46).

A LOOK AT AT MAIN TOPICS (adapted from N. Geisler)

Chapters 1-2"" "

Eight Oracles Judgment on Neighbors:!1. Syria 1:3-5)"2. Philistia (1:6-8) "3. Phoenicia (1:9-10)"4. Edom (1:11-12)"5. Ammon (1:13-15)"6. Moab (2:1-3)

Judgment on Judah & Israel!7. Judah (2:4-6)"8. Israel (2:6-16)

Chapters 3-6 Three Sermons:!Sin & Judgments

“Hear this word…” begins"each sermon

C3 - Reason for judgment"C4 - Result - destruction"C5-6. Call for repentance

Chapters 7-9 Six Visions:!Judgments & Restoration

“The Lord showed me” or "“I saw” begins each vision."1. Locusts (7:1-3)"2. Fire (7:4-6)

3. Plumbline (7:7-9)"4. Summer fruit (8:1-14)"5. Smitten temple (9:1-10)"6. Restoration (9:11-15

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"BOOK OF OBADIAH!

QUICK LOOK Shortest Book of OT Only one chapter Compiled by Darline Royer - 2014

Who was Obadiah? Prophet of Judah" Cited by Jeremiah 49:1-9 (cf. Obad.1-9)

Meaning of his name “Worshiper or servant of Jehovah”

Time of his prophecy Time uncertain"- 840-830 (Geisler)!- Near 586 (Bible

Overview)

1) Early - during Jehoshaphat’s time"

(9th century)

2) Late - shortly after Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians"(6th century)

Historical background The nation of Israel descended from Jacob."The nation of Edom descended from Esau.

Edom denied Israel passage through their land on their journey to Canaan.

Israel’s kings faced frequent conflict with the Edomites.

To whom addressed To Judah regarding Edom’s destruction

Why written To pronounce judgment on Edom (Petra) for their treatment of the people of Judah

To predict the restoration of the land to Judah

Key Verses v. 4 - The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee…

v.10 - For thy violence against thy brother Jacob….cut off for ever.

v. 17 - But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance…

Themes in Obadiah Judgment against Edom Deceitfulness of pride Promise of Judah’s restoration

Jesus seen in Obadiah Picture of the Messiah as Savior and possessor of the kingdom (v. 21)

A LOOK AT MAIN TOPICSVERSES 1-9 Edom’s Destruction

Predicted

VERSES 10-14 Reasons for Edom’s destruction

- Violence and pride

VERSES 15-20 Israel’s Restoration - Triumph over enemies"- Judah’s treasures in

possessing the land

Verse 21 The LORD’s kingdom - God’s ultimate purpose is to establish His eternal kingdom.

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BOOK OF JONAH!


Who was Jonah? A prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel

Son of Amittai (1:1)"Jonah mentioned in"II Kings 14:25

Testimony of Jesus "(Matt. 12:40)

Meaning of his name “Dove"

Time of his prophecy Around 780-760 B.C. During the reign of Jeroboam II in Israel

Early pre-exilic prophet

Historical background II Kings 14:25 identifies that Jonah prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam II

A prosperous time for Israel. Assyrian threat was present, but Israel seemed to feel protected.

At this time, Israel was already being taxed by the powerful Assyrian empire.

To whom addressed Jonah wrote to his own countrymen, the Israelites, about his call to preach to the Ninevites.

God gave Jonah a message for Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire.

Why written To show God’s mercy in offering repentance to Israel’s adversary.

To show Israel and Judah and all humanity the universal compassion and mercy of God.

The book tells Jonah’s personal story of his call from God. Only one verse (3:4) relates what he preached to the Ninevites.

Key Verses 2:1 - …I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me…

4:2b - …for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, and slow to anger, and of great kindness…

4:11 - And should I not spare Nineveh, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons…

Themes in Jonah God’s compassion and mercy

God’s universal love God's purpose to make Himself known to humanity through preaching.

Jesus seen in Jonah Jesus referred to Jonah in speaking about his death (Matt. 12:40-41).

A LOOK AT AT MAIN TOPICSChapter 1 Running from God!

Jonah’s Call, Flight"and 3 Days in a Fish

God called Jonah to preach repentance to a wicked city.

Jonah disobeyed and took a ship west to Tarshish.

Chapter 2 Running to God!Jonah's Prayer

Remembering God’s hand on him, Jonah cried to the Lord.

God delivered Jonah from the belly of the fish.

Chapter 3 Running with God!Jonah's Obedience

Jonah obeyed God’s second call and preached in Nineveh.

The Ninevites repented and God spared the city.

Chapter 4 Running Ahead of God!Jonah’s Resentment"“Running” adapted from N. Geisler

Jonah regretted that God spared the Ninevites, enemies of Israel.

God reminded the unhappy prophet of His desire to forgive and save.

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BOOK OF MICAH!

QUICK LOOK 7 Chapters Compiled by Darline Royer - 2014

Who was Micah A prophet from Moresheth, "southwest of Jerusalem

Jeremiah mentioned"Micah (Jer. 26:18)

Meaning of his name “Who is like Jehovah”

Time of his prophecy 735-700 B.C."(Geisler Timeline)!A pre-exilic prophet

1:1 -During the reigns of Jothan, Ahaz, Hezekiah (Kings of Judah)

Prophesied during Isaiah’s time. His message is similar to Isaiah’s.

Historical background During this time Assyria began invading the North. In 722 BC Assyria conquered Israel and deported the residents to other nations.

Both Israel and Judah had become engrossed in idolatry and wickedness.

Judah revolted against Assyria, but the people were not take captive. However, they were forced to pay tribute to Assyria.

To whom addressed Micah spoke to both Israel (Samaria) and Judah (Jerusalem).

While he prophesied to both kingdoms, he lived in the southern kingdom.

Why written To denounce Israel and Judah for their idolatry and wickedness and warn about the coming judgments

To prophesy against the false prophets and princes for their injustice and greed

To give promise of future forgiveness and redemption

Key Verses 3:8 - I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD…to declare unto Jacob his transgression…

5:2 - But thou, Bethlehem Ephrata …out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel . . .

6:8 - He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee…

Themes in Micah God’s hatred of idolatry, greed and injustice

God’s punishment for disobedience

God’s promise of the Messiah

Jesus seen in Micah Ruler of Israel to be born in Bethlehem (5:2; see Mt. 2:6)

Micah reveals Christ as the “God of Jacob” (4:2)

Christ shown as the judge of nations (4:3)

A LOOK AT AT MAIN TOPICSMicah 1:1—2:11 Judgments of the Lord Against Israel and Judah

Micah 2:12, 13 Promise of Restoration" To the remnants of Israel

Micah 3 Rebuke of Leaders and Prophets For greed, injustice, deception

Micah 4, 5 Hope of Pardon and Redemption The Lord’s plan revealed Messiah birthplace (5:2)

Micah 6:1—7:6 The Lord’s Case Against Israel Israel had forgotten the Lord’s deliverance and laws

Micah 6:8 - God’s requirement for Israel & His people

Micah 7:7-20 Israel’s Final Restoration God portrayed as compassionate and forgiving

Micah 7:18, 19 - A portrait of God

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BOOK OF NAHUM!

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Who was Nahum Nahum - likely a prophet of Judah (1:15)

From Elkosh - town of Judah

NOTE: Location of Elkosh not certain

Meaning of his name “Compassionate” or"“The Lord comforts”

Time of his prophecy Between 650 and 620 B.C."Fall of Thebes mentioned (663BC)

Nahum predicted the fall of Nineveh which took place in 612 B.C.

During the reigns of Manasseh, Amon and Josiah (kings of Judah)

Historical background

II Kings 21-23 (N. Geisler)!Judah experienced the brutal oppression of Assyria. NOTE: Nineveh was the capital.

Judah had seen Israel oppressed and taken into Assyrian captivity "(722 B.C.)

Judah endured a century of cruel treatment from Assyria. In 627 B.C. the Assyrian Empire began to decline and fell to the Babylonians and Medes (612 B.C.)

To whom addressed The kingdom of Judah"God’s people

Nahum’s prophecy was a comfort to Judah.

RECALL: Nineveh’s réponse to Jonah’s preaching had happened 150 years earlier.

Why written The book describes Nahum’s vision about the events that would take place before the fall of Nineveh (612 B.C.)

Nahum relates God’s promise to avenge his people and judge the wicked.

The book reveals both the justice of God in dealing with evil and His goodness manifested to the righteous.

Key Verses 1-3 - The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not all all acquit the wicked . . .

1:7 - The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

1:15 - Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts. . .

Themes in Nahum God’s sure judgment of evil God’s compassion for His people

Jesus seen in Nahum God judges evil, but through the death of Jesus humanity is given mercy and pardon.

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with himI (Thessalonians 5:9-10).

A LOOK AT AT MAIN TOPICSNahum 1 The Sentence of Nineveh God’s justice and mercy

Nahum 2 The Assault Upon Nineveh and Its Fall Certainly of God’s judgment

Nahum 3 The Complete Ruin of Nineveh The terrible woes of judgment

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BOOK OF HABAKKUK!


Who was Habakkuk Prophet of Judah Lived during the time of Jeremiah

Possibly had levitical (priestly) background.

Meaning of his name “Embraced"

Time of his prophecy 620-605 B.C. (N. Geiisler)!612-588 (Life Application Bible)

In Judah’s final years before they were conquered by the Babylonians

After the fall of Nineveh to the Babylonians


II Kings 22-24" "During the reigns of Josiah, Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim in Judah

Jehoahaz followed his father Josiah. The Pharaoh of Egypt deported Jehoahaz to Egypt & made his brother Jehoiakim a vassal king.

During the two decade after King Josiah’s death, the Babylonians conquered key nations and became a world power. In 586 B.C. they destroyed Judah & the temple.

To whom addressed The book is a dialogue between God and Prophet Habakkuk.

Habakkuk shared his dialogue with God for the benefit of Judah.

Why written Habakkuk recorded questions he asked God and the answers he received from God.

He felt troubled because God seemed to tolerating wickedness among his own people.

He felt perplexed about why God would allow a wicked nation to bring judgment on His own people.

Key Verses 1:5 - Behold ye among the heathen…for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe …

2:4 - . . . but the just shall live by his faith.!Quoted in Rom. 1:17;!Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38

3:8 - Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Themes in Habakkuk Questions about God’s Justice

Acknowlegement of God’s Sovereignty

Joyful Confidence in God’s Salvation

Jesus seen in!Habakkuk

God’s ultimate salvation came by Jesus Christ."(See Habakkuk 3:13)

Christ is described as the “Holy One” (1:12); the one who justifies by faith (2:4)

Habakkuk described one who would fill the earth with “the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” (2:14).

A LOOK AT AT MAIN TOPICSHabakkuk 1 Habakkuk’s Complaint (1:2-4)" Why is evil unpunished? -Faith Tested (Geisler)

God’s Answer (1:5-11) God will bring punishment to Judah by the Babylonians.

Habakkuk 2 Habakkuk's 2nd Complaint "(1:12—2:1)

How could God allow wicked Babylonians to punish his less wicked people?

-Faith Taught (Geisler)

God's Answer (2:2-20) God will ultimately punish the wicked Babylonians.

Habakkuk 3 Habakkuk's Prayer and Praise"(See 3:1, 18, 19)

-Faith Triumphant!(Geisler)

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BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH!


Who was Zephaniah?

1:1 identifies him as descended from Cushi, Gedaliah, Amariah and Hezekiah

Lived during the time of Nahum and young Jeremiah

Possibly from the royal line of Hezekiah. Likely lived in Jerusalem. Would have known the royal courts.

Meaning of his name

“Hidden by Jehovah”"or “Protected”

Time of his prophecy

630-620 B.C. (Geisler)!641-628 B.C.(Bible Overview)

During the time when King Josiah’s reforms began

Shortly before Habakkuk


II Kings 22-23"II Chronicles 34-35"During the early years of King Josiah’s rule

King Josiah (the last good king of Judah) instituted spiritual reforms. Two evil kings, Manasseh and Amon, preceded Josiah.

Judah’s morals and religion had been influenced by the ungodly reigns of Manasseh and Amon.

To whom addressed

To Judah A warming of God’s coming judgment

Why written To warn the people of Judah about the judgment to come on them and on their neighbors

To call Judah to repentance before the coming “day of the LORD” - a day when God pours out His wrath

To give assurance that a faithful remnant would be redeemed and restored "(Note 3:17-20)

Key Verses 1:14 - The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD; the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

2:3 - Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness, it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s anger.

3:17 - The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Themes in Zephaniah

The Day of the LORD (the time of God’s wrath)"(1:7,8,14,15,18; 2:1)

God’s call to repentance" God’s promise of restoration

Jesus seen in!Zephaniah

The day of the Lord will come to judge all people

Those who have found salvation in Jesus will be saved from God’s judgment.

II Peter 3:10, 13 - “But the day of the LORD will come as a thief in the night. . .”

A LOOK AT AT MAIN TOPICSZephaniah 1 The Day of Judgment Zephaniah’s declaration of

the day of the LordDescription of God’s wrath to be poured out on idolatrous Judah

Zephaniah 2 The Day of Judgment" for the Nations

God’s call to Judah to repent in view of coming judgment (2:1-3)

Listing of heathen nations and judgments pronounced on them"(2:4-15)

Zephaniah 3:1-7" The Day of Judgment" for Jerusalem

The just LORD did not overlook the corruption in Jerusalem.

Zephaniah 3:8-20 The Day of Hope"for God’s People

After his message of judgment, Zephaniah spoke of future hope.

The prophet spoke of God in the midst of the people to gather them again (3:17-20).

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BOOK OF HAGGAI!


Who was Haggai? Prophet with a message to the Jews who returned from exile in foreign lands

Post-exilic prophet"Mentioned in Ezra 5:1-2 and 6:14

Contemporary of Prophet Zechariah & Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah (appointed by King Cyrus)

Meaning of his name

“Festal” - Name suggests that he was born on a major feast day.


520 B.C. - Haggai’s prophecies are the most precisely dated writings in the Old Testament (Geisler)

NOTE: Zerubbabel , a descendant of King Jehoichin, was an heir to the throne of Judah (I Chron. 3:17-19).


Ezra 5, 6!Cyrus, king of Persian, decreed that the Jews could return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1f)

Over 50,000 Jews returned to the land with materials given by King Cyrus to restore the temple. About 538 B.C.

The temple foundations were laid around 536 BC. Then the people faced opposition and stopped building, focusing on their own houses (1:2-6)

To whom addressed

To the exiles who had returned to Judah

Particularly to the Jews who settled in Jerusalem

Why written To exhort the Jews to complete the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

The work on the Temple had ceased for some 16 years. The rebuilding was completed in 415 B.C.

NOTE: The temple was destroyed in 586 B.C."Its restoration was completed "70 years after its destruction.

Key Verses 1:4 - Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste?

2:4 - Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua …and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work; for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts.

Themes in Haggai The Temple - a sign of God’s presence among his people.

Encouragement to make God’s work a priority

Jesus seen in!Haggai

The Temple foreshadowed the ministry of the coming Messiah (2:6-7)

See Hebrews 12:24-28 about Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant.

Cf. Hag. 2:6; Heb. 12:26

A LOOK AT MAIN TOPICSHaggai 1 The Call to Build the Temple 1:1-11 Haggai’s Appeal It is time to build God’s house! (1:4)

1:12-15 - Leaders and people’s obedient response

“…they came and did work in the house of the LORD…” (1:14).

Haggai 2 Encouragement to Complete the Temple

2:1-9 - Message to be strong. God would fill His house with glory and peace.

“…I will fill this house with glory” (v. 7)"“…in this place will I give peace” (v.9)

2:10-23 - Message to inquire about God’s laws

“…Ask now the priests concerning the law…” (2:11)_

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"BOOK OF ZECHARIAH !

QUICK LOOK Longest Minor Prophet Book Compiled by Darline Royer - 2014

Who was Zechariah?

A prophet of priestly lineage. "Neh. 12:4; Zech 1:1, 7

A post-exilic prophet"Born in Babylon"Contemporary of Haggai"

Came to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel"Mentioned in Ezra 5:1; 6:14

Meaning of his name

“Remembered by Jehovah”


518 B.C.- Zech. 1-8"After 480 B.C.- Zech. 9-14

Forty-year span between Zech. 1-8 & 9-14.


After their years as exiles in Babylonia and Persia, a remnant of Jews returned to Judah.

Zechariah prophesied while Zerubbabel was governor in Judah and during the reign of King Darius I in Persia.

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah provide the historical background.

To whom addressed

To the remnant who returned from exile

These Jews settled in and around Jerusalem

Why written To remind the people that God is sovereign and faithful to His covenant

To encourage the Jews who had returned to Judah continue their work of rebuilding

To give a futuristic view of God’s plan for all people - Jew and Gentile - to come and worship Him (6:15; 14:16)

Key Verses 4:6 - … This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

9:9 - Rejoice, greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy King cometh unto thee: he is just , and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt . . .

14:9 - And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

Themes in Zechariah

Rebuilding the Temple The Coming King"Zechariah is the most Messianic of all the Minor Proophets

Promise of God’s Protection

Jesus seen in!Zechariah

“my servant the BRANCH” - A Messianic figure !- 3:8 and 6:11-13

“Thy King cometh..having salvation…riding upon an ass.” (9:9) Cf. Mt. 21:5; Lu. 19:38

A LOOK AT MAIN TOPICSZechariah 1:1-6 A Call to Return to the Lord “Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of

hosts, and I will turn to you… (1:3)

Zechariah 1:7-8:23 Eight Visions and Messages 1. Riders on horses - 1:7-17 5. Candlestick & olive trees - 4:1-14

2. Four horns & craftsmen 1:19-21 6. Flying scroll - 5:1-4

3. Man with measuring line - 2:-13 7. Woman in a basket - 5:5-11

4. High priest in filthy clothes - :1-10 8. Horses & chariots - 6:1-8

Zechariah 9-14 Messages Against the Nations Encouragement and hope for Israel. Judgment for enemies.

Messianic prophecies given 500 years before fulfillment.

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BOOK OF MALACHI!


Who was Malachi Followed Haggai and Zechariah by one generation

Post-exilic prophet"The last prophet of the Old Testament

Meaning of his name

“My Messenger”


430-420 B.C. (N. Geisler)!About 430 B.C. (Study Bible)

After the temple had been rebuilt and Jerusalem restored

Malachi prophesied about 55 to 60 years after Zechariah.


Nehemiah 13 - After rebuilding the temple and walls, the people had forsaken God’s ways.

Malachi faced a people who needed to be confronted with their neglect of tithing and their unfaithfulness to God.

What Nehemiah faced on his return from Babylon relates to the conditions in Judah that Malachi addressed.

To whom addressed

To the Jews in Jerusalem and God’s people

Why written To call the people to a spiritual renewal after they had been back in the land for decades.

To show the people that they had failed to receive God’s blessings because they had not followed his precepts

To affirm the coming “day of the Lord” - judgment of the wicked and healing for those who fear His name."(Mal. 4)

Key Verses 1:11 - From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles . . .

3:10 - Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will ot open you the windows of heaven . . .

4:2 - But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Themes in!Malachi

Sins of the people and the priests

God’s love in calling people to obedience

The Day of the Lord - judgment and healing

Jesus seen in!Malachi

3:1 - Malachi prophesied of the messenger and the Messiah.

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple…

Mark 1:2-3 identifies the messenger as John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus.

A LOOK AT MAIN TOPICSMalachi 1 Impiety and Profanity of the Priest Rebuke for despising God’s

name and polluting His altar

Malachi 2 Sins of of the Priests and People Corruption, Idolatry, divorce

Malachi 3 Promise of the Messiah / Robbing God Promise for the faithful" Judgment for sinners

Malachi 4 The Day of the Lord Consolation for righteous "(v.2)

Final judgment on the wicked (vs. 1, 3)

END OF THE BOOK

Malachi closes with a call to obey the law (4:2) and God’s promise to send “Elijah” before the final day of the Lord.

After Malachi’s prophecy, God gave no further written Word for 400 years.

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